Best time to travel to Los Angeles

Cactus Blooming in Los Angeles

Having visited Joshua Tree National Park, you will understand how beautiful and colourful the desert can be

Best time: April–May

Cactus Blooming
Cactus Blooming
Cactus Blooming
Cactus Blooming

Joshua Tree National Park is located at the meeting point of two deserts: the Mojave and Colorado. A wide variety of plants grow in the park, and a variety of desert animals live in there. One of the most unusual attractions is the Cholla Cactus Garden. Numerous representatives of the succulent subspecies have bred on a fairly large five-hectare land, replacing competitors.

Most cactus "bushes" have a height of 1-1.5 meters, although there are huge cacti too. The most popular cacti in the park are Jumping Teddy Bear Cholla, the Silver Cholla, and the Pencil Cholla. Despite the fact that these cacti are called "Teddy Bear" hardly anyone will want to get to know them better.

During the period from February to April, when spring showers become quite frequent, the desert landscapes of the park are completely transformed—the wildflower season begins. However, cacti bloom is the most abundant in April and May. In order that visitors do not run into spiked plants, special decks fenced with ropes are laid out in the Cholla Cactus Garden.

And of course, don't forget to see Joshua trees, tree-like succulents correctly called Yucca short-leaves. These cacti can reach a height of 15 meters and have a highly branched trunk, ending in dense prickly leaves. You'll need to get to the centre of the park to find them. Check it out from mid-to-late April for the most fabulous inflorescences. Joshua Tree National Park is the most surreal place near Los Angeles.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park to see cacti blooming?

Joshua Tree National Park has cacti blooming in April and May. However, the Cholla Cactus Garden area has buds swelling in mid-February and early March, with blooms starting in April. To avoid the hottest part of the day, visitors should enter the park in the morning or afternoon. Show more

Where can visitors find the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park?

The Cholla Cactus Garden is located in Pinto Basin, southern Joshua Tree National Park. Visitors should park their cars in the parking area and take the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail, a short 0.25-mile loop trail. Along the trail, visitors find plaques with informative details of the garden's ecology and history. Show more

What is the height of the most popular cacti found in Joshua Tree National Park?

Jumping Teddy Bear Cholla, Silver Cholla, and Pencil Cholla are the most popular cacti found in Joshua Tree National Park. They have bush height of 1-1.5 meters but can grow to large sizes. Visitors need to avoid these cacti because they can cause severe injuries on contact. Designated walking paths lead visitors through the garden for safe plant viewing. Show more

What other plants bloom in the park aside from the cacti?

Spring in Joshua Tree National Park sees the bloom of other plants besides cacti. Wildflowers start blooming in February, highlighted between March and May, with purple mat, desert marigolds, Mojave lupine, and sand verbena some of the many wildflowers visitors will see. Joshua trees also bloom in spring, with the most beautiful inflorescences appearing from mid-to-late April. Show more

Can visitors walk freely around the Cholla Cactus Garden?

Visitors can enter the Cholla Cactus Garden but should restrict themselves to walking on designated paths. The plant's spikes are exceedingly sharp and can detach quickly, causing injury. Decks and ropes cordon visitors for their safety. Visitors must not touch or disturb the plants and maintain a safe distance to prevent injury. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Cactus Blooming (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin